The meeting’s scheduled 15 minute public comment period quickly grew to a 40-minute, at times spirited, exchange between concerned audience members and borough council members and a member of Knox’s police force.

The number of incidents comes from the police department reports.

The borough has two full-time police officers and four part-time officers who together work an additional average of about 42 hours per month.

“We are about to lose two of the part-time officers to the service, and the other two to the park service,” said borough council president Jack Bish.

The audience questioned why Knox needs such a police presence.

“Legitimately, you can say we have two and a quarter full-time officers,” commented council member Tom Goble.

“So then, the borough has five police vehicles for two officers?” asked Knox Borough Maintenance Supervisor and part-owner of the Carriage Inn Jeff “Woody” McCleary.

Questions then centered on how the five vehicles are used.

“Do we need to get rid of vehicles?” council member Linda Runyan asked. “And as far as the number of reported incidents, they are reported and become public record. It happened.”

Council members did agree that a change should be made in the reporting procedures, but were not sure whether changes could actually be made or if the procedures were pursuant to state and local reporting standards.

“We’re worried the police force may be deterring people from, rather than attracting them to Knox,” Zerbe commented.

Council member Jim Curran commented that his car had been broken into in Knox and he thought the extra police presence was a crime deterrent.

Runyan pointed out March had seen 1,450 incidents, 1,349 of those categorized as “minor” incidents.

Knox Borough Police Officer Justin O’Neil commented that the number of incidents includes middle-of-the-night checks of downtown businesses, and any other police activity.

No decision was reached.

In other business the council:

Awarded Wilson Excavating of New Wilmington with a $193,740 contract for sewer line replacement in the borough.

Announced borough clean-up day for 6 to 10:30 a.m. April 19. Trash should be brought to the borough building and larger appliances, including air conditioners are to be left curbside to be picked up.

Discussed using $373 of leftover tourism grant to put signs directing traffic to Knox on I-80 and Route 322.

Approved a letter to be sent to the county commissioners asking for money from the Farmington landfill closing account for use on sewer line replacement throughout the borough.

Announced the Act 537 plan is in its 30-day comment period and the next step in the process will be a town meeting to hear residents’ concerns before moving for final adoption of the plan at the next borough council meeting scheduled for May 5.

Announced a town meeting to be held at 7 p.m. April 28 at the Knox Volunteer fire hall to discuss water, sewer, and police issues.